The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX, USA

Reviews

The University of Texas at Dallas

Perry from Cypress, TX

a current student here
22 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Before I came, here I wasn't sure what to expect. In all honesty, I thought I'd only be learning things pertinent to my major. But it turns out that the prerequisite learning itself opens up opportunities in other fields. Although I am on the track to become a game designer, I have learned the art of being a 2D designer, web designer, and program developer using Java. Even my core classes offer new paths that I can explore.
Am enjoying being here
Best. Place. Ever. I've never been to a place that's more communal. Nobody would feel left out here because everyone on campus makes you feel like you belong there. People smile as you pass and wave, even if you don't know them. You meet people and make friends at every event you attend on campus. And to know that there are so many events on campus is wonderful in itself. There are about 3 campus-wide events a week on average, but there are quite a few weeks where there are multiple events every day! There's an endless amount of clubs and organizations to join as well. Many are general, but there are more that will surprise you of their existence, such as the Onomatopoeia club, which does random things like have pillow fights in the middle of campus.
Bang for the buck
To add to all the fun events and organizations, it's a relief to know that everything is free! Some events may ask for donations, but you're under no obligation. You can play pool or ping-pong anytime you want or even go workout at the gym and play a pickup game of basketball or racquetball. But the best part is the free food and free shirts given at a lot of the events! About 85% of the events offer free food, and more than half give out T-shirts. You'll never have to go shopping for food or clothes again! Most importantly though, you're getting a grade ‘A’ quality education (Fun Fact: UTD is one of the best public schools in Texas, providing a private school quality education). Once you step foot on campus, you're guaranteed to leave a new person.
Tips for prospective students
If you have a composite score of 1200 on your SAT, you're in great standing. If you break 2000, you'll most likely earn a scholarship of some sort. It's also best if you have a B average because even though this school is fun, it's tough academically. If you don't have any studying skills, you better learn quickly. Actually, most of the classes will force you to change your ways or discover new methods. Also, learn to be social. UTD is all about interaction with others and building your network. Plus it’ll just help you overall in the long run.
Great for these types of students
For those people who feel like they're average or don't have any particular talents, you should come here to discover yourself and the truth of the where you belong. It is also great for those who express particular interest in any form of engineering, computer science, or arts. There are various fields of studies pertaining to those three, and many that combine two or more. Whether it is an interest in design, games, radio, television, photography, or some sort of mixed media, UTD is the best school for you! The possibilities are endless.

IheartTEMOC from TX

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here are incredible. They are willing to help you one-hundred percent and enjoy questions. They are extremely knowledgeable and tend to find the most helpful assistants available.
Am enjoying being here
You can decide what you want to do here. There are so many ways to get involved on campus, it is really worth trying at least one out. There are clubs, respectable team sports (like soccer and basketball), intramural sports, and great Greek life, just to name a few things. It's hard to stay in just one organization as soon as you join one, so be prepared to have fun and be a little busy as soon as you do.
Also, a lot of the buildings are nice, and the old ones are getting a well-deserved face-lift. In the meantime, there are some construction areas, but I really don't mind them. The housing here is amazing. As a freshman, you get to decide whether you stay in a dorm or an apartment. The dorms are new and really nice, and the apartments are well-kept and clean. They're a little older, but the oldest ones are probably from the early 2000's, which isn't bad at all. After the first year, you can live in an apartment.
People here aren't too bad, though sometimes some of them may lack social skills. Just smile, and they'll smile back.
Bang for the buck
This place is really worth every penny you pay for tuition. There are tons of scholarships for students available, and if you don't get any, don't worry. The financial aid office is very generous and will try to help you cover it. If you still have problems with financial aid, you can still get a scholarship upgrade if you get at least a 3.75 GPA with 90 hours or fewer.
Tips for prospective students
If you don't want to stay in your dorm or apartment alone, go out to events held on campus. You may meet some amazing people.
When it comes to the scholarship upgrade, try to get a 4.0 your first semester. After all, this is a competitive school and scholarship upgrade funds tend to run out quickly.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for people that want a good education without having to take out tons of loans. This school is gaining a lot of recognition, so if you want to help be part of that, come to school here.

Lindsay from Richardson, TX

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is my first year at UTD and I am learning so much more than I ever did in High School. The teachers are wonderful and are always willing to work with you on any problem. The are numerous tutor programs that are usually free to help you whenever on whatever.
Am enjoying being here
UTD has a wonderful community with thousands of clubs, fitness center, workout activities, and a lot of other activities that go on around campus everyday of the week. You will never get bored being here. Not to mention the game area in the student, the restaurant area with a subway and chick-fil-a, the pub, and the regular dinning hall. This school provides everything for you. I don't think I couldn't be happier at any other college. There are apartments on campus and a resident hall, both are absolutely pretty inside. The apartments are really cheap and allows you to have pets. The resident hall is separated by your major so you are near people that are in the same major as you, if you did not request certain roommates.
Bang for the buck
There are a lot of scholarships that UTD offers, and the financial aid offices does their best to find all the money you need to attend, even it that is student loans. But because of the numerous amounts of scholarships most people hardly have to get loans or pay anything at all. There are apartments on campus if you do not wish to live in this resident hall, and the apartments allow you to have pets.
Tips for prospective students
Keep your GPA as high as possible. You are not expected to have a perfect 4.0, so don't stress about it, but just work hard to keep it up. Your SAT scores don't have to be that amazing either, as long as it is close to 1200 or above you are all set to go. You do not have to go to a school with very high requirements to get a good education.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for everyone, no matter where you are from. There are students from all around the world here at UTD, and it is always amazing to find out where each one is from. This school has a wonderful program for each major that it offers, so all majors offer a wonderful education experience.

Sheila from TX

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I've had every type of professor so far at UTD, ranging from the ones who are exciting and passionate to those who were so excruciatingly boring I thought I'd die. But every one of them was available if I had a question and most of my emails are answered pretty quickly. You will learn a lot here and classes can be difficult, but there are many resources available such as the GEMS Center which has a math and writing lab.
Am enjoying being here
While UTD is a relatively small school, there are still plenty of events to go to during the week, most of which involve free food or giveaways. The Pub which is a casual restaurant on campus, hosts so many things like poetry nights (which are always awesome) and many comedians have come to perform during the Comedy Series. Donald Glover from Community even performed at UTD this year. Weekends however are another story. There are little to no events on campus on weekends so there won't be much besides hanging out with friends and the sort.
Bang for the buck
Housing at UTD is the best that you'll see anywhere and the apartments are a good price. The school is also very generous with scholarships and financial aid. I definitely feel that I've gotten my money's worth with what I've learned and experienced. The only downside is the meal plans that all freshman living on campus are required to have. The dining hall is terrible on the weekends and closes at 7pm on Saturday and Sundays. Thankfully after freshman year, when you're required to move from the residence hall to the apartments, you'll have a full kitchen and will no longer need the meal plan.
Tips for prospective students
UTD is a pretty quirky and nerdy school, and while that doesn't appeal to some people, I really think it grows on most people once they get here. There are some people who hole up in their rooms and don't get out, but there are still plenty of outgoing, interesting people so it's important to go to events and join a club or organization. I joined the newspaper and got to interview Donald Glover for my very first story, which I'm certain that that kind of opportunity would be more difficult to come by at a larger school. I also can't stress enough how important it is to sign up for Comet Camp which is held for freshman a few days before classes start. Some people will worn you that it's stupid and corny (and parts of it are) but I met so many of my current friends at camp and it really is fun.
Great for these types of students
Socially, I don't think it's hard for people to find their niche at UTD. Academically, UTD is perfect for anyone planning on majoring in business, computer science or engineering. The Arts and Technology program is also really great.

from Houston, TX

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Texas at Dallas is a pretty nice school. I have really enjoyed my time here so far. It gives a friendly feeling and it is very welcoming.
Tips for prospective students
My tip would be to try new things. There are so many organizations on campus that there has to be something you are in to. Do not be afraid to go out to clubs and meet new people. In order to make your time here amazing, you must put an effort to enjoy yourself.
Academic Rigor
The classes can be hard. Be sure you are doing the work though. If you stay on top of the ball by studying and not waiting till the last minute to do homework, you will do fine.
Dorm Life
I love living in a dorm. It is like a home away from home. You have your own room so you will have privacy. You do not need to share the restroom or shower with everyone on your floor. You only share with your roommates and you have your own sink! The dorms are really cozy.
Food and Dining
The is a lot of food to eat here. Whether you want to eat Panda Express or IHop, there is something for you to get. Be sure you watch out for the freshman fifteen though.
What to do for fun
I workout with my roommate for fun. A group of friends also meets up and we watch movies. I also enjoy going out to the fields and playing soccer with my friends.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
An unusual thing UTD does is they have the Spirit Rocks. In the Spirit Rocks, you can basically paint on them literally. I have seen many people just painting on the rock. It is a good way to share your thoughts. Another tradition we have is the Love Jack. The Love Jack has a story that if you walk under the jack with your significant other, you will get good luck.
Clubs and Activities
There are literally so many clubs on campus. It is ridiculous to think you will not have something to do. You simply need to find the right place for you.
Campus Safety
The safety on campus is really great. You will see UTD Police Cars as you walk to class and around the Residence Halls. The security in the dorms is also good. After a certain hour, you will need a comet card in order to get into the Residence Hall and into the actual hallways.

Deona from Houston, TX

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
My professors are very intellectual. I can say that I have never been able to ask a question and get one of those I'm not sure, I'll have to look into that type of answers. Anytime I don't understand something, I don't have to hesitate to ask which is something I was not used to in high school. No one wants to fail. And anyone who agrees will say that studying, whether you want to or not, is a vital part of college. I was told that the professors would not take much interest in our scores but I found out how the college professor stereotype is not always true.
Am enjoying being here
In high school, I was always told my college professors would show students no mercy. I was led to believe that they would be disrespectful, the least bit compassionate, and that they would not tolerate much. UT Dallas showed me that perceptions were wrong and maybe my teachers had just been saying these things to scare us before we actually experienced college for ourselves. This environment is shaping my personality and lifestyle, helping me to see the importance of education and social relationships. I honestly believe the school would be so much more appealing with a football team, which is my reason for giving this category 4 stars instead of 5. There would be much more school spirit. I never hear about conflict or trouble on campus, which is probably what I like the most. I like feeling safe when I walk by myself in both the daytime and night.
Bang for the buck
UTD is the most expensive 4-year university of the state of Texas. Judging from my visits to other colleges such as UT Austin, Texas Southern, Prairie View, and the University of Houston, the money is well worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Visit! You will fall in love!
Great for these types of students
Any nationality, any social group, anyone!

Haille Stanko

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Food and Dining
While the dining hall isn't always the best, the other options on campus are very good. You can get pretty good meal exchanges at places near the dorms like iHop Express, Einstein Bros Bagels, and Papa Johns. Also, there are plenty of places to eat very close to campus that are really good and offer student discounts.
Dorm Life
The Peer Advisors for the dorms do a very good job and are very reliable. The dorms themselves are very nice and can feel like home if you make it that way. Although, after a while it's hard because you don't have a kitchen.
Campus Safety
This campus is very safe, and I almost always feel comfortable on it. We have many poles around campus where you can call the police in an emergency, there are groups of students that can walk other students back to their dorms at night, and campus police are often walking around. The environment in general is very friendly which leads to a very safe campus.

Anonymous

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am enjoying being here
I love it here!! The events, teachers, and mascot!!
Bang for the buck
This school is not as expensive as many other schools, to be honest its not expensive at all and I live on campus!!! This school gives out soo many scholarships a year, hence money is no excuse for not coming here especially for upcoming freshman. Let me tell you now, there are a few scholarships only freshman and first year transfers are eligible for that I wish I would have known about and the best part is that most scholarships are for all 4 years as long as you keep your GPA up and you can even upgrade them for more cash!! How awesome is that!!

UTD is the place to be if you like a bit of challenge, have passion for your major (but we also have an undeclared section), love fun festivals, and can rock orange and green!!

June from Irving, TX

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning a lot at UTD. The professors are very knowledgeable in the topics they cover in class and are very willing to help you if you are struggling. Take advantage of the professor's office hours. In class, the professors teach the lessons, but they also teach you how it applies to the world or how it is used in the world, so you don't feel like what you are learning in class is pointless.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is very beautiful. There was a lot of construction last year, but now that it's getting finished the new buildings and revamped spots on campus make the campus feel homey and peaceful. I enjoy going to the fountains and sitting there to relax when I am stressed out. There are also a lot of common areas where you can study with your friends and other students. Besides the beautiful campus, the students here are very friendly and approachable. Sometimes I find myself getting into conversations with strangers, whom I later become really good friends with. There are also many organizations to get involved in on campus. These organizations will help you make a lot of good friends, keep you busy, provide you with plenty of opportunities to get service hours, and help you to enjoy your college experience. If you don't find a particular organization that you really like, you are given the opportunity to create a new organization. There are a plethora of events that you can attend on campus. Attending these events is fun and plus you get a lot freebies like shirts, food, and drawings to win prizes like computers, i pods, movie tickets etc.
Bang for the buck
You definitely get the bang for the buck at UTD. What you learn here is definitely worth the price you pay for it. Besides that, the school is also very generous with their financial aid packages. They give full-tuition plus a stipend to incoming freshmen based on their GPA and ACT/SAT scores. If your test scores are high, but your GPA is not so good, they have a scholarship for you too. In addition to these scholarships, the school also has many other scholarships that they give to the students. Your financial aid advisor will really help you if you are worried about your package, but just don't go at the beginning of the year when a lot of people are going to ask questions about theirs too.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus and talk to students, professors, and advisors to get a feel of the school. Join organizations and get involved in campus because this really helps you enjoy your college years. Try new things. Use the course evaluations on course look up and ratemyprofessor.com when trying to figure out which professors to take. Also, because the campus is not so big, you have a lot of opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research.
Great for these types of students
UTD is a very good school. A lot of students are great for UTD, they just have to find their niche then they will like the school. Get involved in campus in order to get the most out of your college experience. Don't worry about not fitting in.

Russell from Dallas, TX

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
As you know from my displayed name, my name's Russell Maranan. I'm a college freshman and majoring in Biochemistry. It's pretty good here in UTD. It's like a hotel for education and I'm very excited for the my college career!
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to exhaust your resources; office hours, success center, writing center. Use it as much as you need. You got opportunities to improve yourself and your confidence to take care of college.
Academic Rigor
Very decent, just don't like the huge amount of students per teachers(it's freshman year, so it's understandable).
What to do for fun
I usually hang out in the library and when it's lunch time, I go walk around and stroll.